Watch The Baby Dance

The Baby Dance is a 1998 drama film directed by Jane Anderson and starring Laura Dern and Stockard Channing. The story revolves around two couples who are brought together when one of them decides to pay the other $10,000 to be a surrogate mother for their child. Wanda LeFauve (Channing) and her husband Al (Richard Lineback) are a poor Louisiana couple who have been trying to have a baby for years without any success. Their prayers seem to have been answered when they find out about Rachel (Dern) and Richard (Richard Riehle), a wealthy Los Angeles couple who cannot have children of their own.

In need of money to pay off their debts, Wanda and Al agree to carry the baby for Rachel and Richard. The two couples meet at the LeFauve's home in Louisiana. Rachel and Richard arrive expecting to take the baby and leave, but the LeFauves request they stay to celebrate the birth.

The film explores the class differences between the two couples, as well as the emotions that come with surrogacy. Rachel is anxious about being a mother, having never experienced pregnancy for herself. Wanda and Al are nervous about giving up the baby. Over the course of the weekend, the four learn about each other and become close in ways they never expected.

The Baby Dance deals with the theme of the maternal bond, as both Rachel and Wanda have different views on what it means to be a mother. Rachel, a successful career woman, believes that she can buy happiness through the baby, while Wanda, who already has several children, knows that motherhood is not something that can be purchased.

Throughout the film, the audience witnesses the emotional journey of both Rachel and Wanda. Watching Wanda go through childbirth and the subsequent emotional struggle is heart-wrenching, particularly when she has to say goodbye to the baby she has carried for nine months. The Baby Dance is an emotional rollercoaster, and it is sure to leave viewers with a greater appreciation for the complexities of surrogacy.

The acting is superb, particularly in the case of Laura Dern and Stockard Channing. Dern, who won a Golden Globe for her role, is particularly noteworthy for her portrayal of Rachel, a woman who becomes obsessed with the idea of motherhood. Channing, who portrays Wanda, brings her A-game as usual, portraying a woman who has a deep, abiding love for her children and is willing to go to great lengths to provide for them.

The cinematography is also well-done, with the southern US setting giving the film a unique and authentic feel. Director Jane Anderson's use of the landscape and scenery also reinforces the themes of class and inequality.

Overall, The Baby Dance is a thought-provoking film that deals with the complexities of surrogacy and the emotional journey of mothers-to-be. The film will leave viewers pondering the meaning of motherhood and the lengths that women will go to achieve it. With its strong performances, beautiful cinematography, and emotional storytelling, The Baby Dance is a must-see for anyone who loves powerful drama films.

The Baby Dance is a 1998 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.